Thread: Where to buy Bollywood costumes

Does anyone know a good website to buy a Bollywood style skirt and choli top? I'm looking for something green and gold.

E-bay or if you are ever down in a city with a large Indian community, there are usually plenty of stores. Artesia here in LA County is great. I don't know if there is an equivalent in SF, but I am sure there is something.

Two things to think about How fancy you want them and how much you want to spend. I know that for their Carousel shows, Jillinas troupe actually uses Lehnga Choli sets which are cotton and not very expensive. I was surprised. But some of these sets can go into the thousands of dollars! No, I don't have any, but I have a few which were well into the hundreds.

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

E-bay or if you are ever down in a city with a large Indian community, there are usually plenty of stores. Artesia here in LA County is great. I don't know if there is an equivalent in SF, but I am sure there is something.

Two things to think about How fancy you want them and how much you want to spend. I know that for their Carousel shows, Jillinas troupe actually uses Lehnga Choli sets which are cotton and not very expensive. I was surprised. But some of these sets can go into the thousands of dollars! No, I don't have any, but I have a few which were well into the hundreds.

{{{HUGS}}}

I tried ebay, but I need something in green and gold. Zana suggested Wedding bridal sarees, Designer lehengas sarees, Salwar kameez, Embroidered sarees salwar kameez, Bridal wedding lehengas, Traditional sarees lehngas from India , but warned shipping is slow.

I guess I could take a trip down to SF/Fremont area, but I am being lazy and would rather order one online :) Bridge tolls just went up again!

Funny, it is comparably easy to buy bellydance costumes online or to email a designer but I too have a hard time finding bollywood selections online. Whenever I speak to my teacher about it, she mentions that we have to go to a "tailor" and have them made or to a specialty shop. The professionals seem to have thier own people they work with and its tightnit within thier own community. I would love to work with a Bollywood designer, hey is there an equivalent Bollywood Bella or Pharonics out there?

Here is a good link for music though:

http://www.bollywoodmusic.com/

Many Bollywood costumes are lenga/choli (top & skirt) sets. Or pretty harem pants with a panel skirt & choli.

India Bazaar has lots of nice sets & can do custom orders too. I'm happy with everything I've bought from them.

India bazaar

oops was already posted

Originally Posted by LMargaretDancer

Funny, it is comparably easy to buy bellydance costumes online or to email a designer but I too have a hard time finding bollywood selections online. Whenever I speak to my teacher about it, she mentions that we have to go to a "tailor" and have them made or to a specialty shop. The professionals seem to have thier own people they work with and its tightnit within thier own community. I would love to work with a Bollywood designer, hey is there an equivalent Bollywood Bella or Pharonics out there?

Here is a good link for music though:

http://www.bollywoodmusic.com/

I did find some tailors in my city, but to get a custom set made would start at the $500 range, not something I'm willing to spend on a costume that isn't going to be used that often.

I was trying to find a decent set under $200, which might be possible if I search hard enough, but maybe the local tailors will be willing to negotiate :)

Originally Posted by nitewindz

Many Bollywood costumes are lenga/choli (top & skirt) sets. Or pretty harem pants with a panel skirt & choli.

India Bazaar has lots of nice sets & can do custom orders too. I'm happy with everything I've bought from them.

India bazaar

Thanks for the link. I'll check them out. What is the shipping time like? I need this by September.

I don´t dance any indian dances,and is not an expert-but I found lovely beaded and embroidered lengha&anarkali sets for my friends on the british Ebay when I just search with keywords "eid","diwali"etc.

I know this seller as reliable,he ships worldwide and often have the same model in different colors which is good for troupes(ask him for a choli top+wide skirt):Bollywood Ladies ANARKALI CHURIDAAR EID PARTY WEAR NEW | eBay UK

Otherwise I would say that your best bet for classical "bollywood costumes"are wedding seamstresses;very few dressmakes work in the film industry-the typical modern "bollywood costume"can be a pleather micro skirt and top,while brides prefer a more classic style that we westerners immediatly recognize as "bollywood":)

I´ve heard good things about Meena and her team(but her work is more expensive):DESIGNER Lehnga Lehanga Lehenga Choli Saree Sari on eBay (end time 04-Aug-11 19:07:25 BST)

I've purchased most of mine either on eBay, through a website called Maple Clothing (Canadian company), or used here on Bhuz. I was also fortunate enough to receive a bag of used salwar kameez & cholis/sari sets from someone rotating out their wardrobe, and have used many of those for performances over the past year.

If you work with someone of Indian descent, they might be able to let you know where to get something made for a decent price, or be able to provide you with some hand-me-down items that could work fabulously!

I'll ask that ebay seller. Thanks Emma!

I also found this site Buy Online Sarees | Salwar Kameez | Lehenga Cholis @ Sareez.com with more affordable options in every color of the rainbow.

I bought from Utsav most recently, and I'm delighted with the work. I've bought from other sellers as well though.

It's true that Indian clothing is most often tailored, it's typical for it to be made to your measurements, so it does take longer. But it's easy to order online, you just send your measurements.

The costume for Bollywood is usually called lengha choli, lehenga choli, or lehnga choli. Do a Google search and you'll find TONS of them. You can also find them on ebay and through Amazon. If you'd rather have a long tunic and pants instead of a skirt set, search for Salwar Kameez instead.

What tends to need special orders is the lengha choli with a wide(circle)skirt...most lenghas I find "ready to buy" has a narrow mermaid skirt.

Originally Posted by crystalllized

Thanks for the link. I'll check them out. What is the shipping time like? I need this by September.

September should be no problem if you order now. I think I was told it would take 4 weeks but it took about 6? It's helpful to follow up with regular (polite) e-mails asking about the progress. My students and I all felt like our projects didn't move along until we inquired about their status.

Originally Posted by emma-bessa

What tends to need special orders is the lengha choli with a wide(circle)skirt...most lenghas I find "ready to buy" has a narrow mermaid skirt.

So I ended up having to special order a wide skirt from a local shop. The owner kept showing me A-line skirts and I kept saying they weren't wide enough. Finally when I drew a picture of two half circles sewn together, he said that was out of fashion and no one wore those skirts anymore. I explained again that it was for dancing and I think he got it...I hope! It arrives in a month. Fingers crossed it comes out okay.

India Emporium is one name where you buy all Bollywood costumes. Even indiaemporium.com provides free shipping all over India...These days online shopping is so much trend..And why not..it is so cheap, hassle free and fuel efficient too..

Online Salwar Kameez Store

I also dance Bollywood I have about 5 or 6 Bollywood costumes (more than Bellydance costumes now that is sad), both lengha & suits, but that is because I buy them all second hand! I'm lucky as there is a large Indian Community in Edmonton so I get great deals for all my Bollywood Costumes for under $20 at Value Village (thrift store). I would check out thrift stores if there is a good size Indian Community where you live.